J.D. Gibbs, son of Joe Gibbs, dies at 49 from neurological disease

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2013, file photo, team president J.D. Gibbs speaks to the media during a news conference at Joe Gibbs Racing in Huntersville, N.C. Joe Gibbs Racing President J.D. Gibbs is undergoing treatment for "symptoms impacting areas of brain function." The 46-year-old Gibbs is the oldest son of team owner Joe Gibbs, the Hall of Fame coach who won three Super Bowls with Washington. The team said in a statement on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, that J.D. Gibbs has undergone a series of tests since experiencing "speech and processing issues."

January 12, 2019 at 12:47 PM CST - Updated January 12 at 7:37 PM

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Joe Gibbs Racing says co-founder J.D. Gibbs, the eldest son of team owner and Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, has died. He was 49.

The team announced J.D. Gibbs' death on Saturday, saying he passed from complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease. It was revealed in 2015 that he was dealing with "conditions related to brain function." He was serving as president of JGR at the time.

Jason Dean Gibbs later served as co-chairman of JGR. Before stepping into a management role, he was an over-the-wall crewmember and a part-time driver. He made 13 NASCAR national series starts between 1998 and 2002.

Gibbs played defensive back and quarterback at William & Mary from 1987-90 while his father coached the Washington Redskins, a team he led to three Super Bowl titles.

Washington owner Dan Snyder and wife Tanya say they are "heartbroken for the J.D. Gibbs family" and "for anyone who had the honor and privilege to know J.D., he was instantly recognized as a champion in life and sports."

Gibbs is survived by wife Melissa and four boys.

Copyright 2019 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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